Missouri Baptist university Launches Innovative Three-Year Bachelor’s Degree Options
Table of Contents
- 1. Missouri Baptist university Launches Innovative Three-Year Bachelor’s Degree Options
- 2. Pioneering Flexible Education
- 3. Expanding Student Opportunities
- 4. Financial Stewardship and Gratitude
- 5. Program Details: A Quick Comparison
- 6. The Rise of Competency-Based Education
- 7. Frequently Asked Questions About MBU’s New Programs
- 8. How do the new online bachelor’s programs support students with existing commitments like work or family?
- 9. Heads approve Innovative Online Bachelor’s Degrees and Launch of Women’s Flag Football Program
- 10. Expanding Access to Higher Education: New Online Bachelor’s Options
- 11. A Game Changer: Launching Archyde’s Women’s Flag Football Program
- 12. The Rise of Women’s Flag Football
- 13. Program Details & Opportunities
- 14. Benefits of Participating in Women’s Flag Football
- 15. Online Learning & Student-Athlete Support
- 16. Investing in the Future: Archyde’s Vision
St. Louis, MO – October 27, 2025 – Missouri Baptist University is poised to redefine access to higher education with the introduction of two new accelerated, fully online bachelor’s degree programs.
Meta Description: Missouri Baptist University introduces reduced-credit-hour bachelor’s degrees, offering flexible online learning. Plus, new developments in athletics and campus funding.
Pioneering Flexible Education
The Missouri Baptist University Board of Trustees approved the creation of two 90-credit-hour bachelor’s programs during their meeting on October 23, 2025. This move aligns with a recent shift in policy from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), which traditionally mandated a 120-credit-hour minimum for bachelor’s degrees.
The new programs, titled Applied Studies in Human Behaviour and Applied Business Studies, are specifically crafted to provide an affordable and accessible pathway for students seeking to complete their undergraduate studies through a fully online format.
Dr. Andy Chambers, Provost and Senior Vice President for academic Affairs, emphasized the significance of these additions, stating that they offer students effective routes to earning a degree, adapting to individual schedules and career aspirations.
Did You Know? According to the National Center for Education Statistics, online enrollment accounted for over 37% of all students in Fall 2023, a figure that continues to rise.
Expanding Student Opportunities
In another meaningful decision, the Board of Trustees officially sanctioned Women’s flag football as an intercollegiate sport at Missouri Baptist University. Recruitment for the team will commence promptly, with plans to hire a head coach in the coming months. Competitive play is scheduled to begin during the spring semester of 2027.
Financial Stewardship and Gratitude
The board also reviewed and adopted the 2024-2025 audit and variance report, demonstrating the University’s ongoing commitment to sound financial management and transparency in its operations.
The University publicly acknowledged the generous support of the President’s Club donors, who contributed $1,000 or more between January 1 and September 30, 2025.
Further gratitude was expressed to the Missouri Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development (MDHE) for providing a College reconnect Grant, and to Fred and Tillie Mayse for establishing an endowed scholarship fund.
Program Details: A Quick Comparison
| Program | Credit hours | Delivery Method | Focus |
|---|---|---|---|
| Applied Studies in Human Behavior | 90 | Online | Understanding human interaction and societal dynamics. |
| Applied Business Studies | 90 | Online | Developing practical business skills and strategies. |
The Rise of Competency-Based Education
The move towards reduced-credit-hour programs reflects a broader trend in higher education towards competency-based learning. This approach focuses on demonstrating mastery of skills and knowledge, rather than simply accumulating credit hours. the U.S. department of Education has increasingly supported competency-based education models,recognizing their potential to improve student outcomes and reduce costs. (Source: U.S. Department of Education)
Pro Tip: When evaluating online programs, prioritize accreditation to ensure the quality and transferability of your credits.
Frequently Asked Questions About MBU’s New Programs
- What is a reduced-credit-hour bachelor’s degree? A bachelor’s degree that requires fewer than the traditional 120 credit hours to complete.
- Are the new programs fully online? Yes,both the Applied Studies in Human Behavior and Applied Business Studies programs are offered entirely online.
- What is the Higher Learning Commission (HLC)? The HLC is an accrediting agency that ensures quality in higher education institutions.
- When will the Women’s flag football team begin competition? The team is scheduled to begin official competition in the spring of 2027.
- How does Missouri Baptist University ensure financial transparency? Through the annual audit and variance report, reviewed and adopted by the Board of Trustees.
How do the new online bachelor’s programs support students with existing commitments like work or family?
Heads approve Innovative Online Bachelor’s Degrees and Launch of Women’s Flag Football Program
Expanding Access to Higher Education: New Online Bachelor’s Options
Archyde is thrilled to announce the approval of several new, fully online bachelor’s degree programs, designed to meet the evolving needs of today’s students. These programs represent a significant investment in accessible education, offering flexible learning options for individuals balancing work, family, and other commitments.
The approved programs include:
* Bachelor of Science in Data Analytics: Focused on the skills needed for a rapidly growing field. curriculum includes statistical modeling,data visualization,and machine learning.
* Bachelor of Arts in Digital Marketing: Equipping students with expertise in SEO, social media marketing, content creation, and online advertising.
* Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) with a concentration in Project Management: A versatile degree preparing graduates for leadership roles across various industries.
* Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity: Addressing the critical need for skilled professionals in protecting digital assets and infrastructure.
These online bachelor’s degrees are built on a robust learning management system, featuring interactive coursework, dedicated faculty support, and opportunities for virtual collaboration. The programs are designed to be completed entirely online, offering maximum flexibility for students pursuing higher education while managing other life priorities. We’ve prioritized affordability, with competitive tuition rates and financial aid options available.
A Game Changer: Launching Archyde’s Women’s Flag Football Program
In a landmark decision,Archyde will also be launching its first-ever women’s flag football program,beginning in the Fall 2026 semester. This initiative underscores Archyde’s commitment to providing diverse opportunities for student engagement and athletic development.
The Rise of Women’s Flag Football
Women’s flag football is experiencing explosive growth at the collegiate level. According to Collegiate Flag Football (https://www.collegiateflagfootball.com/college-flag-football-teams/), the number of women’s flag football teams has increased dramatically in recent years, with participation spanning the NCAA, NAIA, and Junior Colleges. This growth is fueled by increasing interest in non-contact football, accessibility, and the chance for athletic competition.
Program Details & Opportunities
* Competitive League: Archyde’s team will compete in a regional conference, offering opportunities for travel and high-level competition.
* Scholarship Opportunities: Partial athletic scholarships will be available to qualified student-athletes.
* State-of-the-Art Facilities: Practices and games will be held on Archyde’s newly renovated athletic fields.
* Coaching Staff: We are actively recruiting a highly experienced coaching staff with a proven track record in flag football.
* Recruitment: Active recruitment of talented players is underway, targeting high school athletes and transfer students. Information on tryouts and recruitment events will be posted on the Archyde Athletics website.
Benefits of Participating in Women’s Flag Football
Beyond the thrill of competition, participation in women’s flag football offers numerous benefits:
* Physical Fitness: Flag football provides a great workout, improving cardiovascular health, agility, and strength.
* Teamwork & Leadership: The sport fosters collaboration, communication, and leadership skills.
* Scholarship Potential: Athletic scholarships can definitely help offset the cost of tuition.
* Community Building: The program will create a strong sense of community among student-athletes.
* Skill Development: Players will develop strategic thinking, problem-solving, and swift decision-making abilities.
Online Learning & Student-Athlete Support
Archyde recognizes the unique challenges faced by student-athletes pursuing online education. We are committed to providing complete support services to ensure their success.
These services include:
* Dedicated Academic Advisors: Providing personalized guidance on course selection, time management, and academic progress.
* Flexible Course Schedules: Allowing students to balance athletic commitments with their coursework.
* Online Tutoring: Offering access to online tutoring services in a variety of subjects.
* technology Support: Providing technical assistance with online learning platforms and tools.
* Mental Health Resources: Offering access to counseling and mental health support services.
Investing in the Future: Archyde’s Vision
These initiatives – the expansion of online degree programs and the launch of women’s flag football – represent Archyde’s unwavering commitment to innovation, accessibility, and student success. We believe that by providing flexible learning options and diverse opportunities for engagement, we can empower students to achieve their full potential.We are excited about the future and the positive impact these programs will have on our students and the broader community.